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“Yes, arrange the meeting,” I said firmly. “Stay alert. If you notice any unusual movement, let me know right away.”

“Will do,” he promised, then rose and disappeared into the twilight, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I reached for my phone, its screen casting a faint glow in the deepening dusk, and dialed Elias.

On the second ring, he answered, “This is Xenos.”

“Elias, it’s Niko,” I began.

“I expected to hear from you soon,” he replied.

“Yeah, I received some unsettling news,” I confessed, subduing my pitch.

“I’ve heard some whispers, too.” His clipped response revealed a simmering anger beneath the surface.

I understood him completely.

I felt the slow-burning rage bubbling within me, mirroring Elias’s emotions at that moment. Neither of us would ever allow any harm to our brides or their sister. We were committed to protecting them as fiercely as the ancient trees rooted around us, just as Vik had promised.

“There’s going to be a meeting between the family heads,” I informed him. “My man is organizing it.”

“I’ll be there,” Elias affirmed without hesitation. “Just let me know when and where.”

“I’ll send you the details as soon as everything is finalized.”

After a brief pause, he inquired, “What about Avra and Laya?”

I hesitated before asking. “What do you mean?”

“Are you going to invite them to the meeting?” he pressed.

I drew a firm line. “No—I want to keep the women out of it, at least for now. Their presence would only fan the flames of the already high tensions. I hope to ease the concerns of the other family heads about the Vitalis sisters. If the women are there, they likely won’t be able to hold back their emotions, and the last thing we need is another disaster within our ranks.”

“I agree, but they certainly have a talent for discovering things,” Elias acknowledged. “It won’t be long before they hear about this, and once they do, convincing them to stay away will be a struggle.”

“I understand,” I replied. “But I’m prepared to do whatever it takes to ensure everyone's safety.”

“Got it,” Elias responded. “I’ll remain vigilant and await your update.”

“Thanks, Elias,” I said. “I truly appreciate your assistance.”

“We’re family now,” he asserted. “Protect my wife, and I’ll safeguard yours. That’s how we do things.”

“Rest assured, no one is getting close to them,” I promised with quiet resolve.

“I feel the same way.”

After hanging up, I stayed on the terrace, watching the tall trees as their shadows swayed in the evening breeze.

For a long hour, my mind was consumed with strategies and the weighty responsibility of facing the approaching storm. Each idea was as tangled as the roots below the ground.

Later that night, I sat at the long, polished dining table across from Laya as we savored a lavish meal of tender lamb and fragrant rice. Each time her silverware clinked against the ceramic plate, the sound felt too sharp, piercing through the heavy, tense air between us.

I couldn’t shake the memory of her text.

I love you.

Now, she seemed to withdraw even from sharing the same space at the table.

What was truly happening with her?